Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington was apparently pretty busy on Wednesday.
The Red Sox announced that they have come to terms on a two-year deal with utility infielder Nick Punto, on Wednesday. The signing comes on the heels of the team's acquisition earlier in the day for Houston reliever Mark Melancon in exchange for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland.
The 34-year-old Punto is coming off a 2011 season with the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. He played just 63 games for the Birds hitting .278 with a home run and 20 RBIs. He also added six hits in the Cardinals' title run.
While his offensive skills are suspect at best, Punto's biggest asset will be his ability to play all over the diamond. At times over his career, Punto has played every position except for first base, pitcher and catcher.
The addition makes sense on the heels of dealing Lowrie to Houston, but the move also gives the Red Sox two utility players. The Sox recently tendered the contract of Mike Aviles as well.
